WORLD

A magnitude-6.9 earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan early Tuesday, triggering minor tsunamis but no reports of major damage or injuries.

The Japan Meteorological Agency lifted a tsunami advisory two hours after it was issued following the quake, which hit at 8 a.m. Japan time (2300 GMT).

Hours later, another strong offshore quake — magnitude 5.7 this time — shook the area, following several smaller aftershocks reported in the area. There was no fear of tsunami or damage from them.

The earlier quake's epicenter was at a depth of about 10 kilometers (6 miles). It shook much of northeast Japan and could be felt in Tokyo, 690 kilometers (430 miles) away. The second, which struck generally the same area at 1:46 p.m. (0446 GMT) but occurred at a much deeper 50 kilometers (30 miles) below the sea surface.

Small tsunamis of up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) were recorded after the first quake along the coast of Iwate prefecture, according to the agency, much smaller than the possible 1-meter (3-foot) tsunami mentioned in the advisory.

The same region was hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, killing more than 18,000 people.